America is ‘horrified’: Obama says Dallas attacks ‘vicious’ and ‘despicable’

US President Barack Obama said on Friday that America is “horrified” by what appears to be a planned sniper shooting targeting police officers in Dallas, and he said there is no justification for the violence.

In a brief statement to reporters, Obama said the investigation into the shooting continues but, “what we do know is there has been a vicious, calculated and despicable attack on law enforcement”, he said.

Obama called the shooters motives “twisted” and vowed that “justice will be done”.

“There’s no possible justification for these kinds of attacks or any violence against law enforcement,” Obama said, noting that he had spoken with Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and offered his support and condolences.

“We also know when people are armed with powerful weapons unfortunately it makes attacks like these more deadly and more tragic. In the days ahead we are going to have to consider those realities as well.”

Obama spoke from Warsaw, Poland, where he is meeting with Nato and European Union leaders. Obama arrived early on Friday shortly before snipers opened fire on police officers, killing five officers and injuring nine others, including two civilians during protests over two recent fatal police shootings of black men.